The hindering effect that the lack of acting prowess possessed by one Nicholas Cage has on any movie in which Nicholas Cage performs. It is identified by the lack of variation between any of the characters portrayed by this actor leaving all of his characters relatively ambiguous and uninteresting. Also when a character is brought up in common conversation, it is nearly indiscernible which character they are talking about.

"Hey did you go see that new Nicholas Cage movie where he could see the future?"
"Oh yeah, "Next," I didn't really enjoy that one."
"Yeah, me neither, but I was talking about "Knowing.""

An example of the Nicholas Cage Effect would result by watching any Nicholas Cage Movie, and then make a check-list. Does he have long flowing hair? Does he do a lot of epic running? Does he carry a flashlight? Does his face start on fire? Does he see the future? Most of the items listed above are usually true of any Nicholas Cage movie allowing you to see the future that the Nicholas Cage movie you are currently watching is probably going to be a colossal waste of your time.